We are gearing up for Homeschool Preschool, so I was pretty excited when CSN stores offered me the opportunity to review another product from their stores. As you know, CSN carries just about EVERYthing your little heart could desire, from craft scissors to dining room tables to kitchen sinks.
I finally settled on this Guidecraft Paper Center Paper Roller
This Paper Center Paper Roller sits on the floor or table, and features a child-safe cutter and four non-marking suction cup feet for stability and ease of use. One roll of paper included.
Features:
- Suction cup feet and child-safe cutter
- 1 paper roll included
- Assembly required
- For children of all ages
- Paper roll dimensions: 12″ x 300′
- Overall dimensions: 8.75″ H x 14.50″ W x 7.00″ D
and this Melissa and Doug Child-Safe Scissor Set.
The Child-Safe Scissor Set includes one blue pair and one red pair of craft scissors that safely cut straight or zig-zag lines! These scissors will not cut clothing or hair and will fit both left and right hands.
Features:
- Includes one red and one blue scissor
- child-safe scissors
- Cut straight or zig-zag lines
- Will not cut hair or clothing
- Fit left and right hands
- Ages 3 and up
I chose the Guidecraft Paper Center Paper Roller because it is a child safe paper cutter. No razors or sharp edges to be found. And it is incredibly easy to use.
Mister enjoys pulling his own paper out and then rolling his picture back up in the paper center. When I try to help him, he says, “I jes do it by myself.” I love that the Paper Center attaches by suction cups, making it portable. I can put it on the table for art time, but take it off when it’s time to serve dinner.
The kids have enjoyed using the new scissors, too. Mister has claimed the blue ones as his own, because he thinks the red zig-zag ones are broken. He doesn’t understand that they are SUPPOSED to be zig-zag cuts. I’ve tried to get pictures of the kids with the scissors, but they wouldn’t cooperate, so I have to settle for the above photo that I took when we unpacked the box from CSN Stores.
I wouldn’t change anything about the paper roller, except maybe have it come with extra paper rolls. The one we got is not going to last long.
As for the scissors, I love that they fit either left or right hand. Sister tends to use her left hand for a lot of things (since she’s only 18 months, I think it may be a bit early to officially declare her a lefty), and Mister is right hand dominant. So, they can both use the scissors comfortably. The scissors do have a safety rating of 3+ years, but I think that is a bit old myself. Since my kids use the scissors while seated at the table, under direct supervision, I am comfortable with them using these child-safe scissors.
Now I just have to find a curriculum I like.
Disclosure- The marketing team for CSN Stores provided me with the aforementioned product(s) to facilitate my honest review. No other compensation was received. Opinions expressed are 100% my own and are based on my own experience. Your experience may differ.
monique says
I like the paper cutter. That is neat!
Bobbie (OneScrappyMom) says
How neat is that paper roll! I could use this for my children!!
Tee says
I love that it doesn’t take up tons of space. I wonder if it’s affordable. Going to CSN to check it out! thanks for the review.
Susan Lemons says
Hello,
Do preschoolers–especially young preschoolers–need a formal “curriculum?” What are the most important goals of the preschool years? Are they simply getting our children “ready for Kindergarten”, or is there something more?
I believe that there is more…lots more. I believe that homepreschool should be based on the 4R’s: Relationship (with God and family), routine, readiness, and reading aloud. We also throw in lots of art, music, and real life experiences. If you’d like an alternate to those “academic” based preschool programs, or just a supplement to help balance one, I hope you’ll check out my blog and my book–“Homepreschool and Beyond.” I blog about homepreschooling/homeschooling from a decidedly Christian and developmentally appropriate perspective at http://www.susanlemons.wordpress.com. I hope you’ll visit me there.
Blessings,
Susan Lemons, homeschooling mom of 4
Bachelor’s Degree in child Development
Former preschool teacher
Author, Homepreschool and Beyond
admin says
Susan, thanks for commenting. I don’t need a curriculum as much as I need a plan. i.e. We’re going to read this book and concentrate on the letter A in our crafts/coloring/etc for the first week, etc. I want a routine that I know I can maintain and that will best enable me to prepare my children for school while training them in the ways of the Lord. I will be sure to check out your site. Have a great day.